Venice receives nearly 30 million tourists annually, far outnumbering its local population of fewer than 50,000. CNN
Visitors planning a day trip to Venice will now have to pay a higher entry fee, as the city doubles its charge from €5 to €10 for last-minute travelers. Additionally, the fee will be enforced on more days than last year, covering 54 dates instead of 29.
The entry fee applies to tourists who visit Venice between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. without staying overnight. The new schedule begins with a continuous period from April 18 to May 4, followed by every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from May through July. Those who book their visit at least four days in advance will receive a 50% discount, reducing the cost to €5.
Venice introduced this fee in 2024 as the first city in the world to charge day visitors. Officials claim that the pilot program was successful in managing tourist numbers and minimizing overcrowding during peak times.
Simone Venturini, Venice’s tourism councillor, emphasized that the goal is to control visitor flow while preserving the city's unique character. He noted that several international destinations, including Kyoto in Japan and Formentera in Spain, have inquired about implementing similar measures.
Venice welcomed tourists from 194 different countries last year, with Italians making up the largest group, followed by Americans, Germans, and French visitors. In 2024, nearly 500,000 people paid the fee, generating €2.4 million in revenue. However, officials have not disclosed how much was spent on enforcing the program or how the funds were used.
City authorities acknowledge that the entry fee alone cannot fully manage mass tourism. However, they see it as the foundation for future policies aimed at better regulating visitor numbers. Initial data suggests that the fee has slightly reduced the number of tourists from the Veneto region, although specific figures were not provided.
As before, travelers staying overnight within Venice city limits are exempt from the fee but must register online for an exemption. The payment and registration process remains available at cda.ve.it.
The fee does not apply to travelers passing through Piazzale Roma, Tronchetto, or the Stazione Marittima port without entering the city center. Additionally, visitors heading directly to outer islands such as Murano, Burano, and the Lido are also exempt, though many will still need to pass through Venice’s main areas to reach these locations.
While city officials believe the fee helps control tourism, some residents strongly oppose it. Protesters have argued that instead of charging visitors, authorities should focus on improving housing and public services for locals.
Despite the controversy, Venice continues to refine its tourism management strategies, hoping to strike a balance between welcoming visitors and preserving its historic charm.
